A major change in construction site safety requirements is now in effect across Canada as the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) mandates Type 2 hard hats with integrated chin straps at member project sites.
Effective July 1, 2026, the requirement applies to all workers, subcontractors, and visitors attending CCSC member sites.
The move is intended to improve protection against serious head injuries while establishing a more consistent standard for head protection across the construction industry.
Type 2 hard hats differ from traditional Type 1 models by providing protection from both top and side impacts. The integrated chin strap helps keep the helmet securely in place during falls, slips, trips, and other dynamic jobsite incidents, allowing the head protection to function as intended when an accident occurs.
“Construction environments are complex and constantly evolving. Strengthening baseline safety requirements across our member sites is an important step toward better protecting workers from known risks,” said Kieran Hawe, President and Chief Executive Officer, EllisDon. The company a Canadian, employee-owned construction services and technology company that delivers major building and infrastructure projects across sectors ranging from healthcare and education to transportation and commercial development.
Head injuries remain a significant concern throughout the construction industry.
According to the CCSC, injuries resulting from falls and struck-by incidents continue to pose serious risks to workers. The organization believes wider adoption of Type 2 helmets will improve impact protection, helmet stability, and energy absorption in a broader range of accident scenarios.
“This change reflects a collective commitment from CCSC members to align on higher standards and to adopt proven solutions that can reduce serious injuries across the industry,” said Hawe.
The new requirement reflects a broader trend already underway throughout the construction and industrial sectors. Manufacturers have expanded their offerings as demand for Type 2 helmets increases. Among the companies supplying Type 2 helmet solutions are STUDSON and PIP Canada.
STUDSON's SHK-1 Full Brim Dual Cert helmet (see photo at top of page) is certified to both ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 and CSA Z94.1 standards, allowing contractors operating on both sides of the border to streamline equipment procurement. Newer Type 2 models also incorporate features commonly found in recreational helmet technologies, including comfort padding, moisture-wicking liners, improved retention systems, and enhanced impact-management designs.
Founded in 2022, the Canadian Construction Safety Council is committed to improving safety performance and reducing critical injuries throughout the construction industry. The organization promotes consistent safety standards and collaboration among contractors to advance worker protection.
For more information, visit www.constructionsafetycouncil.ca.